EMPOWER YourSelf to Succeed!

The beauty of a new year is that it gives us a psychological boost to a fresh start. Often, great intentions are set to eat healthier, get more exercise, be more fiscally responsible to name a few common choices.

Yet, according to a study, only 64% of people are still committed to their resolution after 1 month, and only 46% after 6 months. And, only 14% of adults over 50 achieve their resolution compared to 39% of people in their 20's.

So what's the huge factor that de-rails good intentions? HABIT! But habit doesn't start with putting the donut in your mouth or turning on the t.v. It starts with the habitual mental thoughts that lead to the action. "I've been so good this week. I'm going to treat myself now, I'll start again tomorrow." "I've had a stressful day." "I don't FEEL like going for a walk, I just need to veg."

4 Tips to Outsmart Your Mind & Make the Change for Healthier You

1. Awareness- actively listen to the rationalizations your mind is telling you to get you to do what you've decided you no longer choose. Observe when you are weakest. For example, is it when you're tired? Stressed? Want to procrastinate?

2. Will - Decide that no matter what, RIGHT NOW, in this moment you're not giving in. Use distraction, replace it with something healthy, just don't give in right now. You'll find that the compelling urge comes from that mental voice using its best arguments to keep the unhealthy status quo. Remember, this is the Conscious YOU vs. your unconscious automatic pilot mind. Who will you decide is going to win? Remember, it's an incremental progress race. If your mind wins one round, in your resolve, "get up" immediately. Don't fall prey to the guilt and judgment sucker-punch tactic your mind uses to make you feel worse to get you to give up. Instead, learn. Note the experience, tell it YOU are now making the choices, and win the following rounds.

3. Plan - Think about and write down when that habit usually takes over. Plan your counter success instead. Do you need to meditate first thing before you get distracted by your phone? Do you need to plan your meals or only buy healthy food so there's no temptation in your fridge? Do you need to set out your workout clothes the night before? Set yourself up to succeed.

4. Accountability. Make a big chart or use a wall calendar to track your progress. Every night before you go to bed, write in your wins with your favorite colored marker - P3 (plank 3 minutes), M20 (meditiation20) $$ (for smart spending). You'll find that by being congruent in THIS moment, it becomes today, and today becomes a string of todays which changes your life for the better. It's surprising to see how soon it feels better to mark your achievement on your calendar than to eat the sugar or crash on the couch. Try it for yourself and let me know your experience; I support your best Self.

About the Author: Kathleen Gramzay

Kathleen Gramzay, BCTMB is an 18-yr Board Certified Massage Therapist, Wellness Educator, Speaker & Developer of Kinessage® Self Care. Her mission is to empower people to release stress, chronic tension & pain to live more joyful, productive lives. If you would like to learn more about Kinessage® Self-Care or the Mindful Resilience programs, contact Kathleen